Iowa Woman Sentenced for False Statements in Highway Project
A shocking case of fraud has shaken the construction industry in Iowa. Jenna Danielle Wilson, a 31-year-old resident of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, has been sentenced to a $34,432.02 fine for making false statements in connection with a highway project.
According to court documents, Wilson, who was the Vice-President of K&L Inc., also doing business as Circle A Construction Inc., knowingly made false representations, false reports, and false claims with respect to the cost of work performed or to be performed or materials furnished or to be furnished in connection with the construction of a highway or related project approved by the Secretary of Transportation.
Wilson’s scheme involved submitting falsified Expanded Polystyrene Fill (EPS) invoices to general contractor, Godbersen-Smith Co., and ultimately, the Iowa Department of Transportation for stockpiled materials on the I-29 Sioux Interchange Project. In all, Wilson fraudulently increased the amounts on the Benchmark invoices by $807,637.10.
This case highlights the importance of accountability in the business world. Wilson’s actions not only cheated the state out of money but also put her own company, K&L, in a difficult financial position. Her decision to submit falsified invoices was an attempt to remedy K&L’s cash-flow problems, but it ultimately led to her own downfall.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Wilson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. In addition to the fine, she must also serve a two-year term of supervised release.
This case serves as a reminder that businesses and individuals must operate with integrity and honesty. Those who engage in fraudulent activities will be held accountable for their actions.
Wilson’s case has sparked a lot of discussion in the business community. As the construction industry continues to grow, it’s essential that companies and individuals prioritize ethics and transparency.
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Jenna Danielle Wilson
- Criminal Charges: Making false statements in connection with a highway project
- City and State: Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
- Date: August 7, 2017 (guilty plea), January 12, 2018 (sentencing)
- Sentence: $34,432.02 fine, two-year term of supervised release
- Dollar Amounts: $807,637.10 (fraudulently increased amounts on invoices), $34,000 (approximate amount saved by K&L)
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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